The Coromandel Walks You Can’t Miss!
No Bots, Just Boots on the Ground
Want to explore New Zealand’s most epic peninsula? The Coromandel is both a Kiwi and international traveller favourite, as there’s something for those who want to relax on a pristine beach and something for those who are itching to explore. For the latter few, you’ll dig this listicle of hikes in The Coromandel!
On the one hand, the Coromandel has a dreamy coastal side with the famous white cliffs at Cathedral Cove. On the other, there’s lush native forest connected with an interesting network of hiking trails. You can explore it all on foot, which is great for us active travellers.
Discover some of the world’s largest trees, the kauri, which still stands in the peninsula’s forests. You can also hike to a waterfall, see remnants of mining and logging history, and, of course, have a stroll on some paradise-like beaches. Plus, don’t miss the 20 Coromandel Must-Dos.
Side note: Our insights come from experienced travel writers who have tried these hikes, as well as a few reputable recommendations. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.
Table of Contents
1. Coromandel Coastal Walkway (3 Hours One Way)
The Coromandel Walkway is a stunning 3-hour coastal trek showcasing the peninsula’s wild beauty. This one-way track offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast ocean beyond. Getting there is an adventure in itself, so be sure to book your transportation to the start of the track (and back from the end) in advance. Keep an eye on the DOC website for track updates, as parts of the walkway have been closed since 2023. For those seeking a guided experience, Hike & Bike Coromandel offers guided hikes and transport options. Trust us, the effort to get there is well worth it – you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in New Zealand!
Location: Either Port Jackson Road, Fletcher Bay or Port Charles Road, Stony Bay.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Karangahake Gorge (45 Mins – 4 Hours)
The old gold mining gorge is a popular weekend spot for Kiwi families in summer and a must-visit attraction for travellers throughout the year! With a turquoise river rushing through the gorge, a huge number of caves, swingbridges, bike tracks, tunnels and historical relics, it is not surprising that the Karangahake Gorge is one of the most popular spots in the area. Our favourite routes here are the Rail Tunnel Loop through a 1,100 m tunnel, the Historic Walkway to Waikino to see Owharoa Falls and the Victoria Battery. The Karangahake Windows Walk is a pretty riverside walk with railway remnants and is best done for those who are short on time. See more experiences nearby in the 5 Best Things to Do in Paeroa and 10 Best Things to Do in Waihi.
Location: State Highway 2, between Paeroa and Waihi.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. The Pinnacles Trail / Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (8 Hours Loop)
The superb 360 views from the top of this 8-hour loop track come at the price of a steep climb! Hike deep in the kauri forest, which made the fortune of many settlers in New Zealand who logged and shipped these giants of the forest back to the old continent. If the full-day excursion is too much, there’s the option to stay overnight in the Pinnacles Hut. Learn more about hiking huts in New Zealand in our guide, NZ Hut to Hut Hiking: What is it Like to Stay in a Hut?
Location: Kauaeranga Valley Road, Thames.
© Unsplash4. Wentworth Falls Walk (3 Hours Return)
Follow the Wentworth River for about one hour and return the same way – it’s as simple as that. Along the way, you’ll cross multiple bridges and get many views of the famous waterfall. Split the 20-metre (66-foot) high drop in two for a great subject for photography. The Wentworth Falls Track finishes at the top of the falls, but the best views are along the way. We recommend taking your time to soak in the stunning scenery!
Location: Wentworth Valley Road, Whangamata
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Kauri Block (1 Hr 30 Mins Return)
This track succeeds in mixing beautiful scenery and Māori culture in a 1 hr 30 mins walk. Starting off almost in Coromandel town, the track quickly rises above the seas offering great views of the water and the land surrounding it. A short path sidetracks to an ancient Māori Pā (fortified village). We love how this walk combines natural beauty with a glimpse into New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage.
Location: Top of Harbour View Road or beside 356 Wharf Road, Coromandel Town, Coromandel.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Pauanui Trig Walk (1 Hr 50 Mins One Way)
To get a bird’s-eye view of the small settlement of Pauanui, take a couple of hours to tackle the Pauanui Trig Walk. It will lead you to a great lookout from beaches to coves after passing through a coastal forest. If you plan to picnic along the way, we suggest Cave Bay, located about 45 minutes into the walk. Combine this walk with the 5 Best Things to Do in Tairua & Pauanui.
Location: Car park at South End Reserve, Pauanui Beach Road, Pauanui.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Pit Rim Walkway (1 Hour Loop)
This 1-hour walk is a must-do in Waihi! Circling around the rim of the Martha Mine, the track offers a mind-blowing view of the crater created by years of mining. Many signs along the way walk you through the history of Martha Mine. This is a unique chance if you have never seen what an open-air mine looks like.
Location: Seddon Road, Waihi.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia8. Opoutere Beach Track (20 Minutes One Way)
The large sand spit beach is a bird paradise where dotterels and oystercatchers come to breed. Grab your camera and be ready for your fix of wildlife. The short track is only about 20 minutes one way, so there is no excuse not to admire those unique New Zealand birds.
Location: Opotuere Road, approximately 10 km (6 mi) north of Whangamata.
© New Zealand Department of Conservation9. Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track (1 Hr 30 Mins Return)
Named after the shape of its main cave, the cove is one of the most well-known spots in the area. Its white sand beach and rising cliffs make it an icon of the region. Cathedral Cove is also the main access to the stunning Gemstone Bay, where visitors can snorkel amongst an incredible variety of marine wildlife.
One of the most popular ways to get to Cathedral Cove is via a 30 to 40-minute one-way walk hugging the coast (in our experience, the best walk is from Grange Road, but those needing to park can access Cathedral Cove via an alternative farm trail from Lees Road). Alternatively, boat and kayak tours also visit the beach (see below). For more walks in the area, see 10 Best Walks in Whitianga.
Location: Grange Road, Hahei, approximately 35 km (22 mi) from Whitianga. Note that parking is not permitted at Grange Road. Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Square Kauri Walk (20 Mins Return)
The very short track (or stairs, should we say) leads to one of the strangest trees in the area. The massive kauri is square-shaped. Estimated to be around 1,200 years old, the tree has a trunk in an almost perfect geometric shape. Find out more at Why is New Zealand so Fascinated with Kauri?
Location: Tapu Coroglen Road, Waiomu.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia11. Orokawa Bay Walk (45 Mins One Way)
If the popular Waihi Beach is not enough for you, keep walking to the sheltered Orokawa Bay. Almost always empty, the bay is a small isolated slice of paradise in the popular touristic region. If you fancy a waterfall, follow the nearby track to William Wright Falls. Reaching the beach will take about 45 minutes and an extra 30 minutes to walk to the falls.
Location: North of Waihi Beach, Waihi.
© Pseudopanax at English Wikipedia12. Mt Paku (25 Mins One Way)
When visiting Tairua, you will find the best views of the surroundings after driving and then taking a short walk to the summit of Mt Paku. Almost denuded of its vegetation, Mt Paku offers a great panorama of the area from every angle. There are a few signs around the lookout that will tell you more about the area’s history and help you orient yourself.
Location: Memorial Reserve car park, Paku Drive, Tairua.
© Unsplash13. Broken Hills Tracks (20 Mins to 3 Hours)
Broken Hills features many tracks ranging from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Take an afternoon to explore the young forest—call it a “regenerating forest”—that is still scarred from its past gold mining history and kauri logging. Along almost every track, you will find artefacts testament to that past.
Location: Puketui Valley Road, Pauanui. Or Kopu-Hikuai Road (SH25a), Thames.
© NZPocketGuide.com14. Waiomu Kauri Grove (2 Hours Return)
Amongst a thick population of nikau tree ferns, the 2 hours Waiomu Kauri Grove Track will lead you through streams and old mines to an impressive kauri stand. Make sure to pack waterproof shoes, as the streams are not easy to avoid. (As we learned on our last hike, it is best to pass through them).
Location: Waiomu Valley Road, Waiomu.
© NZPocketGuide.com15. Tairua History Trail (40 Minutes One Way)
The trail takes visitors to 20 locations, with engraved panels highlighting the town’s history. History trails or heritage trails can be found in most cities in New Zealand and are a great way to immerse yourself in the rich past of our very young country. It will only take 40 minutes to complete Tairua’s History Trail, which is split into two north and south walks.
Location: Start from Tairua’s Main Road, Tairua.
© Pixabay16. 309 Kauri Grove / Waiau Kauri Grove and Waiau Falls (30 Mins Return)
Let’s finish this list with even more kauri, shall we? Almost a symbol in the Coromandel, kauri trees are both a reminder of the thriving past and a magnificent symbol of New Zealand’s green future. If you feel like an easy walk, take on the 30-minute Waiau Kauri Grove track. The track is incredibly well maintained, almost all the way paved by boardwalks and leading to another (but still impressive) kauri tree grove. Just 1 km (0.6 mi) down the road is also the very short Waiau Falls track.
Location: 309 Road, Coromandel Town.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Walks in the Coromandel
That’s it for our guide to walks in the Coromandel; for more information about exploring this stunning region, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Guide to the Coromandel.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
